"Daddy did you know Haya's dad gifted her a Mini Cooper for her 21st birthday? I am so envious! Its like my dream come true birthday gift!" declared Nazia dramatically as the family members settled down in the family room after dinner.
"Here we go again! Nazia persistence is a good thing, but when a person persists too much it becomes persistently annoying," quipped Shayan while settling down on the floor cushions next to his sister.
"No Bhai only people who are persistently not persistent find persistence annoying," replied Nazia smartly.
"Also Nazia you don't have to be so persistent in giving a reply to every single comment your brother makes, you could maybe learn to let go," said Huma.
"Oh Mom I'm just being persistent in not not replying to anything Bhai says," replied Nazia laughingly.
"Good play on words bacha but listen to what your Mom is saying," said Raza. "It's always good to be persistent but not when the "boss" is about to serve our favorite ice-cream and might withhold your share."
As each family member settled down with their bowl of strawberry cheese cake ice-cream, Shayan and Raza got down to discussing Shayan's training progress with a local firm of lawyers that he had recently started. Nazia lazily leafed through a magazine while interjecting their conversation with comments of her own, until Huma claimed everyone's attention.
"So I have some news people, do you remember my cousin Salman Bhai from Manchester Raza? I got a call from him and his wife today and Samina Bhabi told me that their elder daughter might be moving to Toronto after her marriage. She's asked me if I knew a Mrs. Laila Naqvi socially and I told her that I've met her on a few occasions. I think Mrs. Naqvi's son went to Manchester for some work related assignment and met Sara, their daughter, through work and immediately liked her. Anyways, long story short, while the groom's family have already been to Manchester and formally proposed for the girl's hand, Salman Bhai and Samina Bhabi wanted to come and meet the family here in Toronto as well. So I invited them to stay over at our house for when they are here. They will be visiting Toronto on the 18th of December."
"Chalo that sounds good. It'll be good to see Salman again, he and I used to play cricket in our neighborhood back in Karachi and it'll be good to relive old memories," replied Raza pleasantly.
"I remember meeting Samina Aunty when I was like 10 years old when we visited Manchester, she made a very delicious Shepherd's Pie as I recall...I wonder if she'll make it for me here again."
"Nazia she'll be a guest in our house so instead of her treating you, you will have to play the gracious host and take good care of her...all of them in fact" Huma said seriously. "Both their daughters will also be coming so you'll have to give them company."
"I didn't like really like Sonia, the younger one, she was kinda bossy and mean. She always wanted everything her way," Nazia made a face.
"You mean she was just like you, always wanting her own way while you wanted yours," joked Shayan.
"Yes exactly! But my way is always the right way," smirked Nazia.
"Well you're all older now, so hopefully you'll get along. But Nazia I'm serious about you being more actively involved in the house, I'll be very busy with work right before Christmas break and I want you to be around to make sure they are comfortable, it'll be your winter break after all."
"Ok Mum, no need for you to worry. I'll make sure they are well looked after."
"And Raza and Shayan will be there to help out too so that should work out."
YOU ARE READING
When The Stars Shine Bright
General Fiction"I think I will always want to aim for the stars; for they are always a guiding light. After all it is only in the darkest nights that the stars shine more brightly." That is what Nazia Ali wrote in her high school yearbook as her life defining quot...
